Glenn Highway MP 86 Rockfall Mitigation (Glacier View, Alaska)

Rockfall Mitigation Improves Highway Safety in Glacier View

Glenn Highway Milepost 86 is characterized by over-steepened soil slopes with shallow bedrock both upslope and downslope of the highway, with a history of frequent rockfall reaching the highway. Emprise Concepts provided an Alaska-registered Professional Engineer and rope-access professional to provide construction management oversight and perform rock scaling support.

Project Scope	Oversight of Rock Scaling Operations, Field Documentation and Reporting, Contractor Compliance Verification
Unique Features	Rope-Access Inspection and Oversight, Steep Slopes, Rockfall Risk
Total Construction Costs	$725,248.42
Emprise Services	Construction Oversight, Rope-Access Expertise, Field Documentation and Reporting, Contractor Compliance Verification
Emprise Personnel	Project Manager: Noah Kimmes Contract Manager: Jacob Grasmick

Impacts & Benefits

• Construction Oversight: Ensured contractor compliance with plans and specifications.

• Rope-Access Expertise: Enabled real-time, on-slope evaluation.

• Transparent Reporting: Provided daily reports, images, and payment tracking.

• Owner Advisory: Advised AKDOT&PF on scaling effectiveness, alternative mitigation methods, and contractor RFIs.

• Community Value: Improved highway safety for local commuters and freight.

Project Gallery

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Project Summary

The Glenn Highway at Milepost 86 faced recurring rockfall hazards from steep soil and bedrock slopes, posing safety risks to motorists. The Alaska DOT&PF initiated a rock scaling program to stabilize the corridor. Emprise Concepts provided on-site oversight and compliance verification, ensuring contractor performance and project safety in this challenging environment.

Project Writeup

Emprise provided construction oversight and rope-access expertise to monitor on-slope scaling operations and contractor performance. Through real-time documentation and reporting, Emprise ensured compliance with safety and design specifications and advised AKDOT&PF on mitigation effectiveness. This close coordination enhanced field safety, improved transparency, and supported timely project completion in a high-risk environment.

Client Perspective

“It was a pleasure working with Mr. Kimmes and Emprise Concepts on the Glenn Hwy MP 86 Rockfall Mitigation project.  Mr. Kimmes was essential in the execution of the contract and efficiently utilizing the contractor for the rock scaling operations.  I would be happy to work on future projects with Mr. Kimmes.”

-- Ryan Baumgartner (AKDOT&PF, Engineering Assistant 3)